American Sign Language Programs

Types of Programs

BBG offers programs in American Sign Language (ASL) or with ASL interpretation that invite visitors from the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community to experience the Garden and its collections and exhibitions through guided tours and workshops, most often led by Deaf educators and teaching artists.

Public Programs & Tours

Upcoming programs will be listed on this page. Garden entry and program participation is free, but preregistration is required. Visit the program page directly to RSVP.

Private Programs & Tours

Individuals and small groups who would like to request a private guided tour or program in ASL should fill out this form. A modest fee is charged.

Questions? See the FAQs below. If you have additional questions or need help with registration, email [email protected].

Upcoming Events

Don't Miss
Climate Week NYC: What Can You Do to Mitigate Climate Change?

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 6–7:30 p.m. | Preregistration Required
Auditorium

Join us for a panel discussion during Climate Week NYC as we look at trees as a vital climate solution and source of inspiration. Learn More about Climate Week NYC: What Can You Do to Mitigate Climate Change?

ASL programs will be added as they are scheduled. Sign up below if you want to be alerted by email. To view all upcoming Access Programs, view our Event Calendar. For general information, see the Accessibility page.

FAQS

Do I have to be Deaf or know ASL to participate?

These programs are designed for the Deaf community and their companions and are led in ASL with no voice interpretation (except for occasional tours led by Hearing educators or artists). If space is available, hearing individuals who are proficient in ASL are welcome to join, though preference is given to members of the Deaf community.

What accommodations are available?

Before the program:

Participants can request additional accommodations when completing the RSVP form.
An email will be sent to registered participants at least two days before the program with more details and information including where to arrive and enter the Garden.

During the program:

ASL interpreters will be on-site for the entire program.
Wheelchairs and roller-aids are available free of charge upon request.
These programs use accessible garden paths and indoor spaces.
Multiple accessible restrooms are located around the Garden.

Will there be someone to greet me when I arrive?

Yes, when you arrive at the Garden there will always be someone to greet you and assist in directing you to the program location/meeting place.

What happens in the case of inclement weather?

Whenever possible, programs will be moved indoors to BBG’s conservatories and education classrooms. Programs that cannot be moved indoors will be canceled in inclement weather, which includes rain and temperatures below 50 degrees and above 90 degrees.

Cancellation decisions are made no later than 36 hours before the program start time. If a program is canceled, BBG staff will contact registered participants via the method of communication requested on their RSVP form (email, text, or phone call).

Can I participate if I am a student of ASL but am not yet fluent?

Yes, students learning ASL are welcome to join if space is available, though preference is given to members of the Deaf community.

Are these the only programs with ASL interpretation?

No! While these programs are designed specifically for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, visitors can request ASL interpretation for any Garden program or event. We ask that you request this accommodation at least two weeks before the program date as we cannot guarantee ASL interpretation within a shorter time-frame.